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Academic staff at Queen's University in Belfast are beginning work on a range of research projects related to brass bands in these islands. The work is being led by Professor Michael Alcorn and Dr Linda Price.

Although the history of banding in Great Britain has been documented comprehensively, very little is recorded about banding in Ireland, North or South, with the exception of some brief references in key text books. The history of banding in Ireland is extremely interesting and appears to be as widespread and significant as it was in other parts of these islands during the past 160 years.

Part of this research will be obtaining a comprehensive picture of banding in Ireland and gathering together information about the histories of bands both existing and extinct, gathering stories about individuals through oral history projects, archiving recordings of bands from contests and broadcasts, and gathering photographs, documents and archival materials about bands.

Bands arise from within community music-making and we are keen to involve as many people in the wider community as possible. There's a role for amateur historians, musicians, families of band musicians. Everyone will probably know someone who played in a band. There will be relevant materials in scrapbooks, photo albums, lofts and garages.

If you have anything which you believe is relevant then please register it here.